Stomatitis or Mouth Rot-Reptile Illnesses

What is it?

Inflammation of the tissues in the mouth is defined as infectious stomatitis, more commonly known as mouth rot. The initiating cause may be stress or trauma, both of which lead to an infection by bacteria. Common types of bacteria isolated from this area include Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Klebsiella, and Salmonella. In some cases, mycobacteria, and some species of fungi, or some viruses may also become involved.

What causes it?

Stress can be caused in a variety of ways. Poor reptile husbandry practices especially a cold environment and poor diet will suppress the animal’s immune system allowing the reptile to be at risk of secondary infections. Trauma, another frequently encountered cause of mouth rot, occurs when reptiles continuously rub their noses on an enclosure surface. Once minor scratches occur on the skin, the opportunity is there for an infection. Some cases could be a result of parasites both internal and external.

Signs of stomatitis

Early signs of mouth rot may be seen as a lack of appetite and excessive salivation. As the disease progresses, the reptile will develop swollen and cracked gums. The gums may become so fragile that they bleed. When the condition deteriorates, caseous (white cheesy material) may develop along the dental arcade. The condition may come to the point that teeth become loose. The oral cavity may be observed by using a kitchen spatula to gently pry open the mouth. Severe infections may spread causing osteomyelitis (bone infection), pneumonia, sinusitis, and eye inflammation.

Treatments

Mild cases may simply be corrected by merely warming the animal’s environment to its optimal temperature, thereby encouraging top performance from the animal’s immune system. In minor infections, topical antibiotic, antiseptic creams and solutions may be effective. With moderate to severe infections, it is best to obtain bacterial culture and sensitivity testing. Through culture and sensitivity testing, the type of bacteria infecting the area and the best antibiotic to control the infection will be determined. Systemic medications may then be given to fight the infection, most commonly being gentamycin. Medication is typically given by injection especially since oral medication may further damage the inflamed tissues. Deep abscesses may need to be surgically drained. Supportive care including force feeding and fluids should be given to anorexic individuals.

Refractory cases may be the result of fungal infections. Complicating disorders such as osteomyelitis or metabolic bone disease may also delay recovery.

Important Note

It is absolutely necessary to identify and correct the initiating cause of the stomatitis. When the beginning cause of mouth rot is not corrected, the condition is most likely to come back once the therapy is discontinued.


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